Cabinet expected to approve temporary ban on vessel departures in extreme weather
A temporary decree restricting vessel departures during severe weather is expected to be approved following the Cape Greco tragedy.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris said the Cabinet is expected to approve a temporary decree banning vessels from sailing in extreme weather following the Cape Greco tragedy, in which businessman Dimi Mavropoulos was killed. The measure is intended to remain in force until legislation establishing a coast guard is implemented.
Emergency meeting
An emergency meeting was held on Tuesday morning at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, attended by Fytiris, the Agriculture Minister and the Deputy Minister of Shipping.
Fytiris said the meeting addressed what he described as a serious gap in regulations governing vessel departures during adverse weather conditions. The ministers reviewed the Cape Greco incident and considered measures for the transitional period before a coast guard is established.
Temporary restrictions
The Cabinet is expected to issue a decision, possibly on Wednesday, banning vessel departures according to weather conditions and the size and displacement of vessels, Fytiris said.
He said the restrictions would remain in effect until the coast guard bill is passed. The proposed legislation includes sanctions for those who violate decrees issued under it.
Coast guard legislation
The Cabinet has already approved the creation of a coast guard to provide unified coordination of maritime activities, Fytiris said. He said the government decided in March to establish the service after identifying a dispersal of responsibilities that had existed for 60 years.
The bill is undergoing legal and technical review before being submitted to Parliament for a vote.
Monitoring and rescue operations
The Port Police and the Police Helicopter Unit will monitor compliance with the temporary decree, Fytiris said. Checks will be carried out along the coast when the Department of Meteorology issues adverse weather warnings, while vessels outside ports and marinas will be called on to enter for protection.
Fytiris said Saturday’s rescue operation was fully coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and involved considerable risk to helicopter crews. He said the situation had become critical, with boats close to rocks where two vessels were lost.
He called on citizens and boat owners to follow warnings issued by the Department of Meteorology and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.
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